Dana White Held Out His Hand Before Saturdays UFC Main Event, and Joaquin Buckley Looked Ri

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Joaquin Buckley has made his intentions unmistakably clear ahead of UFC Fight Night 291. The welterweight contender refused to engage in the traditional pre-fight pleasantries during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins in Edmonton. Instead, he stared through Mike Malott and ignored an extended hand from UFC CEO Dana White, creating a moment that has since gone viral on X (h/t Championship Rounds).

The faceoff between Buckley and Malott was brief but charged with tension. Malott extended his hand first, a customary gesture between headliners, and Buckley declined to accept it. White then reached out as well, and Buckley again looked past the UFC CEO without acknowledgment.

Buckley kept his eyes fixed on Malott throughout the exchange, appearing to mutter under his breath with his coach nearby.

Silence That Spoke Volumes

Buckley’s refusal to shake hands was not the only moment that went viral. Following the faceoff, he sat for a scheduled post-weigh-in interview with UFC correspondent McKenzie Pavacich and said nothing at all. 

Pavacich asked multiple questions about his training camp and the significance of fighting in Malott’s home country. Buckley offered no response to any of them.

The silence lasted roughly a minute before the interview was wrapped up. Pavacich acknowledged the awkwardness on air, telling viewers that Buckley would “stay locked in” before handing the broadcast back. The moment reinforced the icy tone that has defined Buckley’s fight week approach.

Social Media Reactions

The clips quickly circulated on social media. Fans, however, believed Buckley was setting himself up for a potentially embarrassing fight night.

“If he loses with this gimmick, it might be over.”

“I’ve seen Dana release dudes for less. Buckley next fight will be PFL guaranteed.”

“Buckley is 100% getting cut if he loses.”

“Huge aura loss if Buckley loses tomorrow.”

“Performative. Malott by finish in R2.”

“If he gets knocked out, the memes are going to feed generations.”

“This is corny as f–.”

“PLEASE don’t get KO’d.”

A Home Crowd Waiting for an Answer

Saturday’s main event at Rogers Place carries significant stakes for both men. Malott, a Canadian native, enters the bout with a 7-1 UFC record and the backing of a partisan crowd in Edmonton. Buckley, ranked No. 10 in the welterweight division, is riding a two-fight losing streak and needs a victory to halt his slide.

Buckley has previously framed the fight as Malott’s responsibility to promote, telling MMA Junkie that “it’s his home” and that the Canadian should be doing more to sell the card. 

The silent treatment on Friday aligned with that stance. Whether it translates into a focused performance or becomes a distraction will be answered inside the cage on Saturday night.

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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.